Boo-Boo, Kai-Kai, and the Lost Charm 🐻

Hello friends and welcome to Sleep Tight Stories. Each week we share a few shoutouts and birthday wishes for listeners who help support the show. It's a small way we say thank you, and it always makes us smile. Happy belated 13th birthday to Ila on January 2nd. Mommy, Daddy, Lydia, and Sweet Pup Sophie are so proud of the kind, gracious, and big-hearted human you are becoming. We think you are wonderful just as you are, and we love you no matter what, until the end of time. Happy 10th birthday Xavier. Welcome to the Double Digits. Mommy, Daddy, Jace, Cole, and Addy love you so much. A big 8th birthday shoutout to our little gymnastic loving superstar Marnie from Cumbernauld in Scotland on January 7th. We love you so much, lots of love and big, squeezy hugs from Mom, Dad, and Big Sister Penny. Happy 9th birthday to our dear Liam. Always believe in yourself. You can achieve anything. Thank you for bringing joy wherever you go. We love you very much. From Mama, Papa, Lola, and all your friends. Happy birthday Ava and Zoe. Mom and Dad are so proud of you, our Lego Master and Super Artist. We are so lucky to be your Mom and Dad. Happy 8th birthday Dylan. Tonight the stars are twinkling extra bright over Maplewood, New Jersey, just for you. Mom, Dad, and Brenna want you to know how much they love you and hope your birthday is filled with fun, adventure, and dreams that sparkle like fairy dust. And Happy 8th birthday Zane. Baba, Mama, and Lath love you so much and are so proud of you. We can't wait to see what the next year has in store for you. Happy birthday to you all and thank you for supporting the show. We're so grateful you're here with us. Whether you've been listening since the beginning or just found us last week, you're part of something really special. Millions of families around the world making bedtime a little sweeter together. And now, on to our story. Bernice has had a very long, busy day, but she really wants to hear a long story from Papa Bear so she quickly gets ready for bed and calls out to him. When Papa Bear arrives, he can see Bernice is tired, but he says he will tell a long story and hopes she can stay awake. Papa Bear tells a story about Boo Boo and Kai Kai and their busy day. Boo Boo, Kai Kai, and the Lost Charm. Bernice went upstairs to start her bedtime routine. She didn't want to admit it, but after a busy day at school, she was super tired. But she definitely wanted a long story tonight, so she had a quick shower, raced through some stretches, and set her clothes out for the morning. She had art class and they were painting, so she was going to wear her lucky hoodie tomorrow. Her science mind said not to be superstitious, but every time she wore it, she painted something beautiful. After she did all that, she finally jumped into bed where Twigga, Wolfie, and Madeline were waiting for her. Cookie then padded into her room, stretched, and leaped to her spot at the end of the bed, where she curled up for a nap. It's that time, Papa. Bernice called out from under the covers, prying her best not to yawn. And what time is that, Little Bear? Papa Bear asked as he stomped up the stairs. I think it's time for a super long story, Bernice said, with a big yawn hidden by her blanket. Are you sure you can stay awake, Little Bear? Papa Bear asked. I am super sure. Even though it was a really busy day, and Bobby and I worked hard on stuff, I still have energy for a big Papa Bear story. Well, then, I have no choice but to tell you a long story. Are you comfy? Yes, Papa. And how about Twigga, Wolfie, and Madeline? Are they comfy too? I think they are. Papa Bear smiled. All right, then. Give me a hug and a kiss, and I'll tell you a story about Boo Boo and Kai Kai. I love you, Papa. I love you too, Little Bear. Once upon a time in a world full of magic and fun, there lived a brave Little Bear named Boo Boo. She lived in a large castle at the edge of a mystical forest, and in this forest were unicorns, fairies, gnomes, and all manner of insects, birds, and animals. It was a wonderful place. Her best friend was a young dragon called Kai Kai, and they liked to play as much as they could. On this day, Boo Boo and Kai Kai were walking through the mystical forest toward Bixie's cottage for their after-school lessons. I can't believe we're starting Bixie's classes already, Kai Kai said, stepping over a fallen log. Didn't we just finish the last cycle? That was ages ago, Boo Boo replied. Exactly. That's not very long. Boo Boo smiled. Kai Kai always complained about lessons, but she knew he actually enjoyed them, especially when Bixie told stories, and even more when he offered treats with tea. They followed the well-worn path through the forest until they reached the clearing where Bixie had his outdoor classroom. Several other students were already there, sitting on wooden benches arranged in a half circle. Boo Boo recognized some faces. Bluebell the unicorn, a couple of young gnomes, but there were new students too. Bixie stood near his old trunk full of books, smiling as they arrived. Welcome back, young scholars, he said warmly. Get yourselves a seat, Bixie said, gesturing to the benches. We have some new friends joining us today, so let's make them feel welcome. Boo Boo and Kai Kai settled onto a large bench near the front. It was too big for Boo Boo and too small for Kai Kai, so it seemed like a good match. Gently sitting down, Kai Kai's tail curled around his feet so it wouldn't accidentally knock into anyone. Today, Bixie began, I thought we'd start with a story about the origins of good magic in our kingdom. The students leaned forward, Bixie's stories were always the best part of his lessons. You see, good magic didn't appear all at once across the land. It grew differently in different places, like wildflowers finding their own way to bloom. He paused his eyes twinkling. On the eastern side of the kingdom, near the great mountains, magic first appeared in the stones and crystals. The Pixies there learned to channel it through gems that glowed with starlight. As he spoke, the plants around the clearing began to respawn. The flowers near Bixie's feet shifted from soft pink to deep purple, their petals seeming to pulse with light. But here, Bixie continued, in our magical forest, magic grew from the earth itself. From the trees and vines and… a climbing vine along the trunk behind him suddenly glowed golden, its leaves shimmering. The students gasped softly. From everything that grows and breathes and lives, Bixie finished with a smile. That's so cool! whispered one of the young gnomes. Kai-Kai leaned toward Boo-Boo. You know what my favorite part of good magic is? He whispered, what? Boo-Boo whispered back, chocolate trees, definitely the chocolate trees. Boo-Boo tried not to laugh. Some of the other students heard and giggled quietly. Bixie's eyes crinkled with amusement, but he continued. In speaking of the good magic all around us, today's lesson is about something equally important. We're going to talk about kindness and how… He stopped mid-sentence. A small figure was flying toward the clearing, moving fast and looking upset. A young Bixie burst into the clearing, her wings fluttering frantically. She was out of breath and looked like she wanted to cry. I'm so sorry I'm late, Bixie, she said, hovering near the edge of the group. I didn't mean to interrupt, but something terrible happened. It's alright, Shimmer, Bixie said gently. Catch your breath and tell us what's wrong. Shimmer took a deep breath and landed on one of the benches. She was small, even for a pixie, with silvery wings that sparkled. I was flying here for class, she began, and I was almost to the clearing when I realized. Her voice caught. My charm is gone, the one the elder gave me. The light charm, Bixie asked. Shimmer nodded, wiping at her eyes. I've had it forever, it's small and round and glows soft blue, and without it I can't do my work tonight. I'm supposed to light the paths in the northern part of the forest so the night creatures can find their way home. I tried to go back and look for it, Shimmer continued, but I couldn't remember exactly where I dropped it. I think it was somewhere along the path, but there are so many plants and it's so small and... Boo Boo glanced at Kai Kai. He was already looking at her with the same thought. We can help you look, Boo Boo offered. Really? Shimmer's face brightened. Of course, Kai Kai said, we're good at finding things. Bixie smiled. It seems the lesson on kindness has already begun. You three are excused from class today. Shimmer flew ahead, leading them down a path that wound deeper into the forest than Boo Boo and Kai Kai usually went. Other than walking to Bixie's place, Kai Kai usually liked to fly. I came this way because it's faster, Shimmer explained, looking around nervously, but I wasn't paying attention like I should have been. The forest here looked different. The trees were taller, their branches forming a canopy overhead that filtered the sunlight into soft green patterns. Strange and beautiful plants grew everywhere. They came to a cluster of large mushrooms growing at the base of an old oak tree. The mushrooms clod faintly, and as Boo Boo walked past one, it let out a soft chiming sound. Oh, Boo Boo stopped. What are those? Bell mushrooms, Shimmer said. They grow all over this part of the forest. They help lost creatures find their way by making sounds. Kai Kai leaned closer to examine one and his snout accidentally bumped it. The mushroom rang out with a clear bell-like tone that echoed through the trees. Oops, Kai Kai said. Despite her worry, Shimmer giggled a little. They searched around the mushrooms carefully, checking underneath the caps and between the roots. But there was no sign of the charm. Let's keep going, Boo Boo said. They continued down the path and came to a grove filled with tall flowers that seemed to shift colors. As Boo Boo walked past, they turned a soft golden yellow. When Kai Kai approached, they shifted to deep green with orange tips. Near Shimmer, they became pale blue. They changed based on who's nearby, Shimmer explained. My elder says they're reading our magic. That's amazing, Boo Boo said. But even with all the beauty around them, there was still no charm. Shimmer's wings drooped a little lower. We'll find it, Boo Boo promised. We just need to keep looking. They walked further, following the path as it curved alongside a small stream. The water was clear and made gentle burbling sounds as it flowed over smooth stones. Shimmer was trying hard to remember exactly where she'd been, but the forest all looked similar in places. Kai Kai's stomach let out a loud rumble. Sorry, he said, I might have skipped my afternoon snack. Of course you did, Boo Boo said. But she was smiling. Maybe we should take a quick break? Kai Kai suggested hopefully. Just a little bit further, Boo Boo replied. They reached a spot where the path split into three directions. Shimmer hovered in the air, looking at each path with a worried expression. I'm not sure which one I came from originally, she admitted. Everything looks the same. We could split up for a moment, Boo Boo suggested. Just stay where we can see each other. Shimmer nodded. I'll check the middle path. Boo Boo went left, carefully scanning the ground and the plants along the way. She found some interesting glowing moss and a bush with silver berries, but no charm. Anything, she called out. Not yet, Shimmer replied from the middle path. Then Kai Kai's voice rang out from the right. I found it. Boo Boo and Shimmer rushed over to where Kai Kai was standing, near a bush heavy with dark purple berries. He was pointing at some low hanging vines. There, caught in the tangle of green, was a small round charm glowing with soft blue light. Oh, thank goodness! Shimmer flew over and carefully worked the charm free from the vines. She held it close and it pulsed brighter in her hands. I was so worried. Without this, so many creatures won't be able to see their way home tonight. How does it work? Boo Boo asked. Shimmer held the charm up and whispered something soft. Immediately, small points of light appeared in the air around them, forming a gentle glowing path that led back the way they'd come. Whoa! Kai Kai breathed. The lights flickered like tiny stars, warm and welcoming. After a moment, Shimmer whispered again and they faded. That's really cool, Kai Kai said. Shimmer beamed at them, her earlier worry completely gone. Thank you both so much. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't helped me look. Boo Boo felt happy seeing Shimmer's relief. How did you find it, Kai Kai? Shimmer asked. Kai Kai looked a bit embarrassed. I was, um, looking at the berries? They started back toward Bixie's clearing, following the path through the beautiful forest. The afternoon sun was lower now, casting long golden shadows through the trees. As they walked, they passed through the area with the unusual plants Kai Kai had noticed earlier. She slowed down, staring at a particular bush with creamy white flowers and dark leaves. Is that? He leaned closer and sniffed. His eyes went wide. It smells like vanilla and chocolate. Shimmer flew over to look. Oh, a vanilla chocolate bush. They only grow in certain parts of the forest. They're pretty rare. Can you eat them? Kai Kai asked hopefully. The flowers are edible. Shimmer said would you like to try some? Really? She carefully picked two small flowers, giving one to Kai Kai and one to Boo Boo. Kai Kai took a bite and closed his eyes. This is the best day ever. Boo Boo tried hers. It tasted exactly like it smelled. Eat vanilla with a hint of chocolate. There are a few other places these grow, Shimmer said as they continued walking. I could show you sometime if you'd like to visit again. Yes, please. Kai Kai said immediately. Shimmer laughed. She seemed completely different now. Relaxed and happy, instead of worried and upset. I light the paths almost every evening, she told them. It's important work. Some of the smaller creatures can't see well in the dark and without the lights, they'd get lost trying to get home. That must help a lot of animals, Boo Boo said. I hope so, Shimmer replied. After enjoying a treat, they continued back and reached the edge of Bixie's clearing just as the other students were leaving. Bixie stood near his trunk of trees, waiting with a knowing smile. I see you found what you were looking for, he said. Shimmer flew over and showed him the charm, still glowing softly in her hands. Boo Boo and Kai Kai helped me. I couldn't have found it without them. And what did you two learn today, Bixie asked. Boo Boo and Kai Kai looked at each other. But helping others is more important than a lesson, Boo Boo said. Bixie chuckled. Helping others is the lesson. Being kind doesn't need a classroom. It happens when you see someone who needs help and you choose to give it. And sometimes you find vanilla chocolate bushes along the way, Kai Kai added. Everyone laughed. Shimmer waved goodbye as she flew off to prepare for her evening work. Boo Boo and Kai Kai started walking home through the forest. The late afternoon sun warm on their backs. That was a good day, Kai Kai said. It was, Boo Boo agreed. And with the gentle sound of Bernice's snorts, Puppa Bear turned down her light, gave her a kiss on the forehead and said, I love you, little bear. And that is the end of our story. Good night. Sleep tight.